Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1400. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to information publicised by the Irish National Teachers Organisation stating that over 90% of pupils in County Westmeath are in classes greater than the EU average of 20 and that 21.2% are in classes of 30 or more; and her plans to address same. [34130/14]
View answer1433. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address the issue of 124,363 pupils in mainstream classes of 30 or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34694/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1400 and 1433 together.
The primary staffing schedule currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils, with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. Schools have autonomy in relation to the deployment of classroom teachers to individual classes. My Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). School authorities are also requested, where possible, to use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.
The Staffing Schedule includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. In addition, a staffing appeals process is available to schools, including a new criterion for the 2014/15 school year which is aimed at schools which make a significant contribution to absorbing demographic growth.
The context for any discussion about class sizes is that my Department, like all other Government Departments, is operating within a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. This budgetary programme has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing some economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth that will enable us to move to a point in future budgets where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about an improvement in PTR and class size.
In the meantime, my Department's focus is on targeting any available resources to cater for the continued increase in student numbers across primary, post-primary and third level.
